CARCHEX Reviews

CARCHEX extended warranty plans cover repairs due to mechanical failures or malfunctions. Additional benefits include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage and emergency fuel delivery.

Plans are available for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles. Coverage kicks in after a waiting period of 30 days and 1,000 miles, but this is a fairly standard requirement among extended auto warranty providers.

CARCHEX extended warranty plans

CARCHEX offers five coverage levels that span multiple warranty plans from different providers. With the exception of one plan, all include, at a minimum, a powertrain warranty. This means that your vehicle’s transmission, drive axle(s) and engine are covered along with the other components that send power to the wheels.

Compare CARCHEX coverage plans

The table below compares which key components and systems are covered under each CARCHEX plan, helping you see how coverage levels differ at a glance.

CARCHEX plans don't cover regular maintenance items like oil changes or consumable parts like wiper blades and air filters. Modified or aftermarket components aren’t covered, including lift kits.

In general, if a part is still under the original manufacturer's warranty, your extended warranty won’t cover it. Plans also don’t cover damage caused by collisions or weather events like hail (that’s what car insurance is for).

The following are not covered under any CARCHEX plan:

• Routine maintenance
• Wear-and-tear components
• Exterior and interior trim
• Preexisting conditions
• Damage from accidents or environmental factors
• Neglect or improper maintenance
• Unauthorized modifications
• Components covered by manufacturer's warranty

» MORE: Car warranty vs. car insurance

The average price of a five-year CARCHEX plan is about $1,500. Expect to pay approximately 2 cents per mile of coverage. However, extended car warranty costs vary based on your vehicle’s mileage, year, make and model.

Recently, Michael in Colorado told us he paid $2,299 to extend coverage on his 2019 Ford F-350. The best way to get a better idea of your cost is to get a quote directly from CARCHEX. Another customer, Judy in Florida, said she pays about $1,000 per year for coverage.

It’s worth noting that you may be able to haggle for a deal. “I told them I wanted to take their highest plan, but I would not spend more than $99 a month,” Raymond in Rhode Island said. “They gave me it for $99.”

Payment plan details

CARCHEX lets you pay for your extended warranty over a maximum of 24 months. No down payment is required during this period. The company has a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you decide the plan isn’t right for you.

» TIPS: How to get a cheap extended car warranty

Once you’re past the waiting period, CARCHEX covers authorized vehicle repairs made at licensed service facilities. You can use its mobile app or website to find a vehicle repair facility near you. Here’s what usually happens next:

1. Choose a repair facility. CARCHEX vehicle protection plans are accepted at thousands of licensed repair facilities nationwide, including local dealers, independent auto repair shops and national chains like Pep Boys, Firestone and Goodyear.
2. Your mechanic contacts the CARCHEX claims department. The repair facility must contact the claims administrator listed in your contract to obtain approval before proceeding with any repairs.
3. You might need to provide maintenance records. If requested, provide your vehicle maintenance records to determine coverage eligibility. Maintenance records must include dates of services, mileage, supplies and your vehicle identification number (VIN).
4. The repair facility receives authorization. Once the claim is approved, the repair facility will receive authorization for the covered repairs. This step makes sure the repairs are covered under your plan.
5. CARCHEX pays the repair facility directly. Upon completion of the repair, you are responsible for paying any applicable deductible to the repair facility.

NOTE: In some cases, you may need to authorize the repair facility to disassemble parts to determine the cause of the breakdown. You will be responsible for teardown charges if the breakdown is not covered under your vehicle service contract.

CARCHEX offers solid extended warranty coverage for older, high-mileage vehicles, plus useful perks like roadside assistance and direct payments to repair facilities. Plans can offer peace of mind for drivers looking to protect their vehicles beyond the factory warranty.

“My policy covers things that could possibly go out, including the engine, the transmission and the starter,” Cora in Florida told us. “I have a 2017 Chevy Malibu, and it's already at 100,000 miles. I know that once they hit 100, that's when things start acting funny. I still might have to do a claim once my time is up to make sure, because I'm a traveler, and I don't want anything to happen to my car.”

But not all CARCHEX customers are happy. While some appreciate the coverage, others report pushy sales tactics and claims headaches. Janice in Illinois got stuck paying $473 out-of-pocket when CARCHEX said it would only cover a used aftermarket part her mechanic couldn't guarantee.

CARCHEX may still be worth it for budget-conscious drivers who want basic protection and roadside help. Just make sure you read the fine print and ask questions to fully understand what your plan includes (and what it doesn’t).